The German federal gambling regulator, known as the GGL, has initiated a public awareness campaign focused on raising awareness of online gambling safeguards. This campaign, unveiled on Germany’s national day of action against gambling addiction on September 27, is designed to inform the public about the player protection measures outlined in the 2021 interstate gambling treaty.
Promoting Player Protection Measures:
The primary objective of the GGL’s campaign is to provide information about player protection measures mandated by the Glücksspielneuregulierungstaatsvertrag (GlüNeuRStv) 2021. The regulator aims to present these measures in a consumer-friendly and easily comprehensible manner.
Co-CEO’s Perspective:
Ronald Benter, co-CEO of the GGL, emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding legal regulations in the gambling sector. He highlighted the campaign’s role in helping individuals better differentiate between legal offerings, which adhere to strict player protection rules, and illegal ones.
Key Player Protection Safeguards:
Germany’s player protection measures, as stipulated by the GlüNeuRStv 2021, include:
A monthly deposit limit of €1,000 across all gambling operators.
The option for players to set individual limits on their gambling activities.
Prohibition of simultaneous play on multiple gambling sites (dual play).
The availability of a panic button tool, allowing customers to self-exclude from gambling for 24 hours.
Participation in the OASIS self-exclusion scheme.
Enforcement Actions Against Unlicensed Operators:
In a related development, the GGL recently imposed a €50,000 fine on Malta-based Red Rhino for offering online gambling services without a valid German license. While Red Rhino had withdrawn its German-facing site, platincasino.de, from the market, German players could still access and play on platincasino.com, which was not included on the GGL’s whitelist of approved iGaming brands.
The regulator also noted that it had taken enforcement action against the payment provider facilitating transactions for Red Rhino, although specific details, including the provider’s name and penalty amount, were not disclosed.
The GGL issued a stern warning, emphasizing its commitment to combating unlicensed online gambling activities. It asserted that penalties could be escalated or repeated until unlicensed operations ceased entirely.
The GGL’s public awareness campaign underscores the importance of educating the German public about legal regulations and player protection measures within the online gambling sector. As Germany continues to refine its gambling regulations, campaigns like this aim to empower consumers with the knowledge they need to make informed choices and protect themselves from potential gambling-related harm. The regulator’s proactive approach in penalizing unlicensed operators sends a clear message that it is dedicated to enforcing compliance within the industry.